Lutherans Respond in Faith to Fears of Y2k Computer Problems

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Many Lutherans are wondering if the year 2000 computer problem (Y2K) is just hype or if we are in for a crisis so severe we should "head for the hills." Several members of the New Jersey Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) wanted to help Lutherans find the answers to these questions as a community of faith.
"The main thing churches can remind our society at this time is that our trust is in God -- not in our technology or our stockpiles," said Ray Mueller, project director for "AD2K: Helping the ELCA Respond in Faith to Y2K." The abbreviation "AD" stands for the Latin phrase "anno Domini" or "in the year of the Lord;" Christians use the abbreviation to number years since the birth of Jesus Christ.
The purpose of AD2K is to help ELCA members respond in faith to concerns about Y2K, avoiding the extremes of overreaction or complacency, said Mueller. "AD2K recommends physical preparations for Y2K as a kind of 'insurance' which, we hope, will not be needed."
The ELCA Division for Church in Society and its Domestic Disaster Response program joined the effort, making AD2K a churchwide communication initiative. Print materials and a Web site (http://www.elca.org/dcs/ad2k) emphasize that, despite the uncertainty of Y2K, it can be an impetus to strengthen trust in God, on-going emergency preparedness and service to those in need.
"The consequences of Y2K are uncertain. Even the experts cannot agree," said Mueller, "but as Christians we're certain of God's love and care for us, and our call to care for our neighbors as well as ourselves."
"Y2K is shorthand for the year 2000 computer problem," said an AD2K resource folder. "Until recently, in computer programming, years were identified with only two digits to save memory. Most of the world's software cannot read the year 2000 unless changed. Whatever is left uncorrected is unable to process dates after the end of 1999, and this may result in corrupt data or computer crashes."
Augsburg Fortress, the publishing house of the ELCA, is distributing the AD2K resource folder and a booklet, "AD2K Study & Action Guide."
The ELCA's AD2K materials address questions about preparedness and how congregations can get involved. Bible study, prayer and reflection starters are suggested. Although Mueller has not found any similar projects among other church bodies, he plans to include links from the ELCA Web site to articles and position statements on Y2K as they become available.
"AD2K suggests moderate preparations in advance, in case there are disruptions in the delivery of essentials, along the lines of what the Red Cross recommends: stocking up reasonable amounts of water and non-perishable food, for example, and making plans to be sure everyone would stay warm if there are electrical outages next winter," said Mueller.
Many of the precautions AD2K recommends are those the ELCA Domestic Disaster Response program suggests congregations take to prepare for the possibilities of ice storms, tornados, hurricanes or any disruption of utility services.
"We have tried to emphasize loving concern for the vulnerable in communities," said the Rev. Leslie F. Weber Jr., associate executive director of the ELCA Division for Church in Society. He said the elderly, people with disabilities, and people in nursing homes and shelters for the homeless are examples of those who may be most adversely affected by a disaster and yet may be least able to take precautions.
"Through the media we are often brought to the immediate aftermath of a tornado, hurricane, bombing, and there is an obvious sense of what individuals can do -- volunteer for rebuilding, donate money," said Johanna Olson, ELCA assistant director for disaster response. "The impact of Y2K and it's rippling effect for the year 2000 is unprecedented -- we're not sure what can happen, but we can be prepared."
Olson suggested being prepared in much the same way one should always be prepared for disaster. Congregations can identify people with special needs and see how their church buildings could be used as temporary housing or as distribution points for emergency supplies, she said.
"Concern for the needs of others is a major emphasis of the project," said Mueller. "Members are encouraged to take preparations that would help address possible problems rather than add to them."
"If people want a little extra cash on hand, they are encouraged to set it aside now but not to withdraw large amounts," he said. Removing large amounts of money from banks "would increase the risk of theft and the possibility of runs on banks."
ELCA congregations are responding to Y2K in various ways. Abiding Peace Lutheran Church, Budd Lake, N.J., where Mueller is a member, is using a survey to pair members' needs with members' resources in the event of disruption of essentials.
Emanuel Lutheran Church, Elmer, N.J., is working with a local social service agency to store emergency food and water for distribution to those in need. Lutheran Church of the Reformation, West Long Branch, N.J., was approved as a municipal emergency shelter.
Faith Lutheran Church, Cleveland, Ga., is using a four-point action plan to facilitate individual preparation, mutual support, assistance to others and community awareness. Three ELCA congregations in Findlay, Ohio, are part of a community-wide Y2K preparedness coalition.
Mueller noted that fears about Y2K computer problems are coupled by some people with "end of the millennium" and "end of times" worries in society. ELCA bishops issued a pastoral letter last fall, stating "there is no biblical basis for equating a year -- 1000 or 2000 -- with Jesus' return" and encouraging everyone to "embrace each new day as a gift of God."

EDITORS: The full text of the Lutheran bishops' pastoral letter, "The
Year of Our Lord 2000," is at <http://www.elca.org/ob/millenni.html>.

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